Weather seal for sliding window



Jan. l, 1963 CK 3,070,856

'EA NG wINDow Jan. 1, 1963 D. K. MNcK WEATHER sEAL FoR sLIDING wINDow 5Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 IOO --IIO ATTORNEYS Jan. l,1963 D. K. MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5Sheets-Sheet 3 mf'\\ QA INVENT OR DEAN K. MINICK ATTORNEYS' Jan. 1, 1963D. K. MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5Sheets-Shet 4 .JE-f /2 JNVENTOR DEAN K. M'NcK ATTORNEYS Jan. 1, 1963 K.MNcK 3,070,856

WEATHER SEAL FOR SLIDING WINDOW Original Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5Sheets-Sheet 5 NvENToR ATTORNEYS DEAN K.MNcK

United tates @arent @nhee asians Patent-ea saa. 1, issa v 3,070,856WEATHER SEAL FR SMDHNG WHNDW Dean K. Minicir, Camp Hill, Pa., assignorto Capitol Products Corporation, Mechanicsburg, Pa., a corporation ofPennsylvania riginal application Aug. 6, 1957, Ser. No. 676,629, now

Patent No. 2,953,824, dated Sept. 27, 1960. Divided and this applicationAug. 1, 1960, Ser. No. 47,889

Claims. (Ci. 20-59) The present invention relates generally to thewindow art and more specifically and in particular to new and usefulimprovements in weather seals for horizontal sliding sash windowconstructions.

This application is a division of my original application, Serial No.676,629 filed August 6, 1957, now Patent No. 2,953,824, issued September27, 1960.

There are many prior art window constructions of the horizontal orlateral sliding type which serve to provide in a window opening one ormore fixed sashes in combination with one or more horizontally openablesashes which slide in parallel relationship with the fixed sashcomponents. lt has been discovered that there are many features ofconstruction throughout prior art structures which are disadvantageousfor one reason or another.

The principal disadvantage inherent in substantially all prior arthorizontal sliding windows arises from high cost of manufacture of theintricate and complex structures heretofore utilized. Otherdisadvantages found to be prominent throughout these prior artstructures relate to inadequate and insuflicient weather sealing,ineficient and poor working parts, and costly and unsightly locking orlatch means which are difficult and cumbersome in operation.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide awindow of the horizontal sliding type the construction of which servesto eliminate substantially all of the disadvantages and problemsinherent throughout the prior art structures.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a Windowconstruction which is of extremely simple and inexpensive design lendingitself readily to low cost manufacture without sacrificing any of therequisite characteristics of strength, durability, or appearance.

It is another object of this invention to provide a window of the typedescribed wherein the simplification of design and parts and the lowcost of manufacture are made possible through the utilization of asimple, extruded structural member Which serves substantiallyuniversally in the fabrication and assembly of the window unit.

Still a further object of this invention is the provision of a window ofthe type described wherein the simplified and unique structural memberutilized substantially universally in the fabrication and assembly ofthe window construction permits a substantial savings in the amount ofmaterial required to construct the structural components of the windowrelative to the material requirements of prior art structures. Thestructural member utilized is of such a construction as to satisfymaximum requirements of strength notwithstanding the substantialreduction in material utilized in its formation.

A still further object of this invention rests in the provision of awindow construction of the type described wherein unique structures areutilized in the formation of glazing seals and weather seals for thesash elements of the window which serve to afford weather sealing andcushioning characteristics of maximum efiiciency for the Window unit.

The glazing and weather sealing components utilized in the instantwindow construction are of extremely simpie and inexpensive design andare readily incorporated in the window construction at time offabrication at a minimum cost attributable to materials and to labor.

Another and important object of this invention resides in the provisionof a unique and utilitarian latch mechanism incorporated in the windowunit cooperatively with the horizontal sliding sash components toprovide a positive, self-locking construction for the openable sashcomponents of the window. in addition to the novel construction andoperation of the self-locking latch mechanism incorporated in the windowunit, the latch mechanism is of such a structural design as to eliminateextension of any latch parts into any light area of the window unitwhile still presenting manually operable components in readilyaccessible position on the window.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a windowconstruction of the type hereinbefore described wherein the movable sashcomponents of the window arel readily removable from the window unit forcleaning and like purposes.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a windowconstruction of the type described wherein such components as glazingseals, weather seals and slide tracks or rails may be quickly and easilyremoved or installed for purposes of repair or replacement.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new anduseful window construction of the type described in which the framecomponents are readily fabricated for iin-trim or woodbuck type windowinstallations.

Still further objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more readily apparent to those skilled in the art when thefollowing description is read in the light of the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front or inside elevation of an illustrative embodiment ofthe window unit.

FIG. 2 is a rear or outside elevation of the window unit shown in FIG.l.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4, FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5-5, FiG. 1.

FIG. o is a horizontal section on line 6 6, FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation in fragmentary vertical section of the latchmechanism shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial perspective illustration of the latch mechanismshown in FIG. 6.

FiG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical elevation in partial sectionillustrating theI attachment of the center rail to the frame. v

FIG. 10 is a vertical section taken on line 10-10, Fl'G. 9.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal section taken on line 11-11, FIG. 10.- i

Fl'G. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevation of the Window inpartial vertical section illustrating the screen lock.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary pictorial perspective illustration of the upperportion of the removable sliding sash component.

FIG. -14 is a fragmentary horizontal section illustrating a modifiedform of the structural member from which the frame is constructed. I

FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 14 of a further modification of the framecomponent. I

The nature of the present inventionmay be stated in general terms asrelating to a window construction of the type including one or morefixed sash panels and one or more horizontally sliding sash panels allcontained and supported withina frame in which all component sections(head, sill and side bar) are formed from a common one-piece structuralmember. In this window unit the glazing of the fixed and sliding panelsis secure and weather-tight, and the movable panels are provided with alatch member serving as a functional hand grip for moving the slidingpanels horizontally of the frame relative to the fixed panels andautomatically operating to lock the movable panel in its closedposition.

In the descriptions herein following, and in the accompanying drawings,the concepts of the present invention are exemplarily disclosed in theform of a double panelled window, one fixed and one sliding, forpurposes of illustration of an operable embodiment. However, theconcepts of this invention are equally applicable to windows including aplurality of panels, both fixed and movable, in a variety of cooperativerelationships one to the other. It is not intended nor contemplated thatthe scope of this invention be limited in any way whatever beyond thoserequirements made necessary by the prior art and the hereinafterappended claims.

Detailed Description In the illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention disclosed in the accompanying drawings the numeral 10designates, generally, the window unit constructed in accordance withthe novel concepts of the invention and composed of a frame 12 forinstallation directly in a window opening. Frame 12 includes a sillmember 14, a header 16, and interconnecting side bars 18 and 18:1. Thesill and header are interconnected vertically intermediate the length ofthe frame by a center bar or meeting rail 20 defining within the frametwo like openings on either side thereof. Each of said openings isclosed by a glazed panel, one fixed, 22, and one slidable, 24. Inaddition, the opening in front of the sliding panel 24 is provided witha screen panel 26 enclosing one side thereof within the frame component.

In installation in a light opening the present window construction has anormally indoor side, as is seen in FIG. l of the drawings, and anoutdoor side as is seen in FIG. 2, and over a portion of which thescreen panel 26 is removably affixed.

Frame Components As best seen in FIGS. 3 through of the drawings, thesill, header and side bar frame components 14, 16, 18 and 18arespectively, are all formed from an elongated extruded, semi-tubularstructural member 28. Appropriate lengths of this common extrudedstructural member, each having mitered ends, are arranged and fabricatedinto a rectangular frame as disclosed with adjacent mitered ends beingjoined at right angles by welding or a like method of attachment to forma composite, onepiece frame member of substantially identical crosssectional configuration throughout its rectangular length.

The elongated extruded structural member 23 from which the components ofthe frame 12 are formed may be described in cross Sectionalconfiguration (see FIG. 5) as consisting of a flat Web 30 extendingtransversely of the Width of the structural member throughout itslongtudinal length. One longitudinal edge of the web 30 is provided witha flange 32 projecting outwardly from one face, 34, of the web and formstherewith a slightly obtuse angle a. The remote longitudinal edge of web30 is provided with a second flange 36 projecting outwardly from theopposite face, 38, of the web in a direction opposite to and in parallelwith the projection of flange 32 from the web. Flange 36 forms an acuteangle b with the web face 38 which is complementary to obtuse angle "a.

Additionally, flange 36 is provided longitudinally of its extremeprojected end remote to web face 38 with a perpendicular bead or lip 40extending in the general direction of the plane of flange 32. Flange 36also has a heel-like extension 42 formed as an integral continuationthereof projecting outwardly from face 34 of web 30 for a distanceSuflicient to align the extended end thereof with the apex of angle a ona line defining a true perpendicular between the parallel planes offlanges 32 and 36.

The cross Sectional configuration of the extruded structural member 28is further defined by the face 38 of the Web being provided intermediateits length with an integrally formed, generally V shaped rib 44projecting outwardly therefrom. The rib 44 consists of one leg 46 of theV extending in parallel with the flanges 32 and 36 and is provided atits extended end with a perpendicularly offset web portion 48 with anintegrally formed perpendicular fin 50 thereon projecting beyond and inparallel with leg 46 and offset therefrom by the intermediate web 48.

The second leg 52 of the V rib 44, which is formed integrally with thefirst leg 46 adjacent its point of integral attachment to web 30,extends outwardly from web 30 at an angle divergent with the angle ofthe first leg. The extended end of the second angular leg of the V isprovided integrally with a U shaped channel formation 54 the Spaced legsof which are disposed in parallel relationship with the parallel planesof flanges 32 and 36 to present the open mouth of the U openingoutwardly away from face 38 of the Web. That leg of the U shaped channelmember nearest the leg 46 of the V shaped rib member is provided with aflanged bend 56 extending for a spaced distance toward and inperpendicular to the leg 46 and in general transverse alignment with theoffset web portion 48 of leg 46.

To complete the constructional configuration of structoral member 28,that face of fin 50 on rib 44 disposed toward leg 52 thereof is providedwith a plurality of spaced grooves 58 extending lonigtudinally of themember for purposes to be hereinafter described with detaileddescription of the improved functions of the structural member in theutility in which it is disclosed.

Again, as is best seen in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the frame 12 is formedby fabrication of a rectangle from four structural members 28 arrangedin continuous, right angular alignment and suitably joined at theintersecting corners of the rectangle. By this construction the severalwebs, flanges, ribs, beads and channels of the structural elementsforming the rectangular frame are continuously aligned about therectangle with portions of each being in direct, spaced opposition onefrom the other between the head and sill bars and the two side posts ofthe frame respectively.

`To generally complete the frame structure of the novel sliding windowconstruction constituting the present invention, there is provided acenter post or meeting rail 60 secured vertically between the head barand sill of the frame substantially mid-way between the side posts ofthe frame.

The center bar or meeting rail 60 consists of an elongated, extrudedmember having a cross Sectional configuration including a central,generally I shaped member 62 one of the two normally parallel plates ofwhich is a straight leg section 64 perpendicular to the cross web 66thereof, while the second leg 68 of the normally parallel pair isprovided with a concave groove 70 laterally, centrally thereof andextending longitudinally of that face defining remote end portions 72and 74 of the leg lying in the same plane and being parallel with legmember 64.

The formation of groove 70 in the outer face of leg plate 68 causes anangular inclination of the inner faces of the leg within the sideopening channels 75 of l shaped member 62 resulting in a generally Vshaped configuration of these channels in cross Sectional viewcomplementary to the V shaped channels defined by ribs 44 of thestructural member 28.

The extreme outer cnd or longitudinal edge of portion 72 of leg 63 isprovided with a right angular lip or head 75 extending longitudinallythereof and projecting for a spaced distance into the mouth of adjacentchannel 75 in the direction of the leg 64. The extended end or`longitudinal edge of portion '74 of leg 68 is provided with a rightangular lip 73 identical in configuration and location as lips 76.However, lip 7-8 is provided with an extended portion Si) which projectsfor a spaced distance outwardly from the opposite face of leg 68, remoteto leg od, where it is turned through 90 degrees to provide a fiange 82lying in parallel spaced relationship the outer face of portion 74 ofleg 68 and forming therewith a generally U shaped channel 84longitudinally of the cross rail and disposed with its open face inaligned vopposition with channel member 54 on rib 4d of the side bar ofwindow frame 12 remote thereto.

Leg 64, of meeting rail member 62, which is generally straight and flushon its outer face, is provided at that end thereof adjacent to the firstdescribed longitudinal edge of leg 6% with a perpendicular web Sa?extending for a spaced distance in a direction therefrom remote to leg68. Web tle is provided on its extreme, outermost end with a rightangular flange d8 extending to lie in spaeed parallel relationship withthe outwardly dispose face of the leg od. Web 36 is additionallyprovided with a perpendicular iin projecting therefrom in a directionopposite to the direction of projection of flange 88 and which is formedintegrally with the Web 86 at a point immediately adjacent the integralattachment of the Web to the leg 64 of the meeting rail member. A fin 92corresponding to fm 99 is formed integrally in offset relationship tothe leg 6d on that longitudinal edge thereof remote to the integralattachment of the web 86 in such a manner that fin 92 projectsoppositely from the cross rail member to fin 90 and in an alignedtransverse plane therewith.

Meeting rail di) is positioned and secured in the frame between theupper header component of the frame and the sill component thereof.Because of the identity of structure of st-ructural member 28 in theframe header and the sill the structural attachment of the upper andlower ends of the cross rail is identical, and this attachment is shown,exemplarily, in FGS. 9, 10 and ll relative to the sill member M.

As is best seen in FIG. 10, the lower end off meeting rail di? ispositioned above the sill component 14 of the frame 12 with the bottomends of portions 72 and 74 of leg 6% of the meeting rail seating invertical alignment on the upwardly disposed, flat surface of Web portion48 of the frame component rib 44. At the same time, the bottom surfaceof leg 64 of the meeting rail 6d seats horizontally along the uppermosthorizontal surface of flanged bead 56 on the second leg of rib 4d of thesill component 14.

To position the meeting rail 60 on the sill component of frame 12 asdescribed above the lowermost ends of fins 9% and 92 of the meeting railat) are cut away horizontally for a distance above the bottom ends oflegs e4 and 68 substantially equal to the vertical depth of fin dil ofthe sill component, above Which these fins are vertically aligned.Likewise, screen retaining Web 86 and flange 88 are cut away for a likedistance above the foot of the meeting rail.

The meeting rail 69 is secured to the sill component in the positiondescribed by means of two spaced thread cutting screws gd and 9451 Whichare threadedly engaged from the underside of the sill component upwardlythrough countersunk holes 96 and Qa in the Web 3% into the lower ends ofthe two side opening vertical channels '75 defined in the central Ishaped portion of the meeting rail tiil, said channels beingautomatically threaded for a spaced distance above their lower, openends when said screws are driven into position. i f

When the meeting rail 69 is secured within the frame 12 by theattachment hereinabove described it will be so positioned, as best seenin FIG. 5, as to locate the generally V shaped side opening channels inthe main body thereof in opposed alignment laterally of the frame withthe generally V shaped channels defined by the ribs 424 on each verticalside component of the frame. At the same time, oppositely extending ribsand 92 formed on the meeting rail are aligned transversely of the framewith the fins 5d on legs 46 of the two V ribs 44 on each side componentof the frame. ln the same manner, the projecting lips 76 and 78 on theleg 63 of the meeting rail oil will be aligned transversely with thebea-ds or lips '56 on the legs 52 of the V ribs of the side elements ofthe frame.

The transverse alignment within the frame of the above recited similarelements of the meeting rail and the interl mediate ribs 44 of the sideelements of the frame serve to perform complementary and cooperativefunctions in the window assembly which will be hereinafter described.

Frame Installation The installation of frame 12 in a wall opening isbest illustrated by FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 wherein there is shown.

a typical "'woodbuck installation consistent with the specic embodimentof the frame structural member 28 hereinbefore described.

In typical fashion the window opening in the structural wall is defined,side top and bottom, by framing studs or jamb members 98, ltltl, and 132respectively. These jamb members present flush surfaces continuouslyabout the opening disposed inwardly thereof.

The window frame 12 is positioned vertically in the opening (FIGS. 4 and5) from the outdoor side of the opening which locates the flanges 32 ofall the frame components in abutment with the vertical faces of the jambmembers on the outdoor side thereof marginally about the window openingwhich they define. At the same time, the extended or projected ends ofheel portions 42 of the frame component flanges 35 are positioned inabutment with the adjacent flush surfaces of the surrounding jambmembers. Screws, clinch nails, or the like, lod, are driven, from withinthe frame, outwardly through countersunk opening 1% in the webs 39 ofthe side components of the frame into the adjacent jamb members to-rigidly and tightly secure the window frame in the opening.

Window Panels In the Window embodiment shown there is a fixed sash liland a horizontally sliding, openable sash llo defined within the frame.The fixed sash consists of a glazccl panel 112 Which is positionedvertically within the frame with a peripheral, marginal edge portionthereof continuously about one face being located in abutment with thegrooved faces of fins Sti of rib members 44 on one side component of theframe and the sill and head components thereof through the portionsthereof extending from that side component transversely of the frame tothe meeting rail 69. That vertical marginal edge portion of the glazedpanel 112 remote to the side component of the frame abuts the groovedface of the fin 9% projecting integrally from the meeting rail inopposition to the tin Sti of rib 44 on the side component of the frame.The glazed panel 112 is secured in the described position by means of aglazing strip 114. Glazing strip takes the form of an elongated strip ofresilient material, such as neoprene, vinyl, or the like, which in crosssectional configuration is substantially crescent-shaped, and which isprovided in its convex face interme-diate the extreme tip ends thereofwith a longitudinal groove 116 of generally U shaped configuration. Asis best seen in FIG. 5, the installation of the glazing strip 114 issuch that it is partially inserted sideways into the' channel de.- finedbetween the divergent legs of the V shaped rib 44, and at the same timeinto the channel '75 defined between the leg members 64 and 68 of themeeting rail, Such insertion of 'the strip brings groove 116 intoregistry with and engagement about the bead 56 of the rib 4d, and withlip 76 of the leg 68 of the meeting rail.

This positioning of the glazing strip serves to locate one point 118 ortip end longitudinally thereabout in engagement with the inner face ofthe leg 46 of rib 44. The second cnd tip 129 of the strip engages theglazed panel 112 in opposition to fins 59 and fin 99. It can be seenthat the glazirg strip forms a triangular insert having three-pointcontact between the glazed panel, leg 46 and leg 52 therebycompressively and resiliently holding the glazed panel in place whilesimultaneously providing a cushioned seal completely about the marginaledge of the panel.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is shown a horizontal trackmember 121 carried by the sill component of the window frame. The trackmember consists of a flat strip 122 having upturned vertical flanges124- and 126.10ngitudinal of each side edge. Flange 124 is provided witha rolled-over edge 1 .3 adapted to engage downwardly in channel 54 ofrib element 44 of the sill component, while flange 126 is provided witha rolled edge 130 adapted to engage downwardly over the uppermost end ofvertically disposed flange 35 on the sill component.

As is best seen in FIG. of the drawings, the flat, central portion ofthe track extends from adjacent the Web 30 of one side component of theframe to a point closely adjacent the Web of the opposed side component.However, the rolled edge portions 128 and 13% are cut away, as at 132and 134, for a spaced distance inwardly from each end thereof sufficientto accommodate the laterally projecting ribs d4 and flanges 36 on theside bar components of the frame.

As is further seen in FIG. 5, the flat portion 122 of the track isprovided in a central portion thereof with a longitudinally formed drainslot 136 vertically therethrough providing communication with thechanneled recess of the sill component defined between rib d4 and iiange36 thereof. Rib 44 of the sill component is provided at spaced pointslongitudinally thereof with weep loles 138 for draining condensation andthe like from within the channel on the indoor side of the sillcomponent outwardly onto the upper, inclined face of the :eb 39 of thesill component.

The sliding panel 116 of the window assembly consists of a rectangularframe 149 which is generally H shaped in cross sectional configurationwith the perpendicular partition wall offset toward one end thereofoutwardly away from the panel opening. Glazing of the frame isaccomplished by the utilization of a continuous strip 142 of resilientmaterial, such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is generally Ushaped in cross Sectional configuration with the open mouth thereofreceiving and engaging a continuous marginal edge portion of a glazedpanel 144. The panel receiving strip is provided on the opposed outersurfaces of the parallel leg portions c-f the U shaped configurationwith spaced longitudinally extending, and integrally formed, resilientfingers 146 while the adjacent ends of the legs defining the openingthereinto are provided with substantially perpendicular flanges 148.

In the installation of the glazed panel 144 in the frame 140 the strip142 is inserted telescopically into frame 14% continuously thereabout tobring the undersides of the flanges 143 into abutment with the framelongitudinally of the panel receiving opening and to position the stripwithin the channel opening of the frame with the resilient fingers 146therealong in engagement with the inner, adjacent faces of the parallellegs of the frame. By this construction the glazed panel 144 is firmlysupported and cushioned within the frame 146 and a seal is establishedbetween the remote faces of the panel by the U shaped glazing strip inengagement within the channel-shaped frame.

The frame 14% of the sliding sash is slidably seated on the horizontalportion of the sill track 121. When supported by the track the upper endof the sliding sash frame projects upwardly for a spaced distance intothe cavity defined between the downwardly projecting flange 38 and rib44 of the upper or header component of the frame 12. The upper, crosscomponent of the sliding sash frame is provided, as seen in FIG-S. 4 and13, with spaced retainng lugs 150 secured horizontally to the upper sashframe component and projecting outwardly from that face thereof disposedtoward the downwardly projecting ange 38 of the head element of thewindow frame so as to overlie the inturned lip 40 on the lowermost endof the flange 38 thus retaining sash frame 149 therein. The lugs 156 maybe formed from nylon or other suitable self-lubricating ornon-frictional materials.

When positioned in the window frame slidably seated on sill track 121,the sliding sash frame 140 presents on the indoor side thereof twofinger rails 152 and 154 which take the form of flanges formedlongitudinally of the side members of the sash frame to projectperperidicularly thereto and to terminate on their projected ends inarcuate lips 156 and 158, respectively, each of which extends atsubstantially right angles to its integral flange in a direction awayfrom the frame opening.

Further, that side member of the frame supporting flange 152 isadditionally provided with a raised head let) which extendslongitudinally of the indoor face of the frame component in spacedparallel relationship to the flange 152 and defining therewith,cooperatively with the frame, a channel 162 vertically of the frame andopening in the direction of the arcuate lip 156 on the ilange 152.

Completing the structure of the sliding panel of the window structure,that vertical face on the outside of that side component of the slidableframe opposite to flange 156 is provided with a turned over flangeelement 154 longitudinally of the outermost edge thereof. Turned overdange 164 forms with the adjacent frame component face a channel 166having its open mouth disposed longitudinally of the frame component inthe direction of the framed opening. This structure positions the fiangedefined channel 166 to telescopically receive vertical flange 2-2 on theindoor side of meeting rail 62 when the panel is moved to a closedposition thcreby interlocking the frame and the meeting rail.

Weather Seal In order to provide a weather seal for the sliding sashframe of the window construction a sealing strip 168 is providedcontinuously about the peripheral edge of the opening defined betweenthe meeting rail and the side component of the frame remote to the fixedsash. The sealing or weather strip 163 consists of an elongated piece ofresilient material such as neoprene, vinyl or the like, which is ofgenerally rectangular configuration in cross section (FIGS. 4 and 5) andwhich is provided with a pair of parallel passages 170 continuouslythroughout its length serving to increase the resiliency of the memberand at the same time providing a savings of material necessary to formthe element. The weather strip is provided longitudinally of one face,on the outdoor side, with a plurality of spaced beads 172 which, whenthe strip is properly located, register with and engage in thecomplementary grooves 58 in the faces of aligned projections 5d on ribs44 of the side, sill and head sections, and on rib 92 of the meetingrail member. The sealing strip is also provided longitudinally of oneface thereof at right angles to said beads with a generally arcuatefinger 174 having an angular teat 176 on its extreme end and an undercutgroove 178 on one side thereof adjacent its point of integral attachmentto the strip. Finger 174 is insertable within the V shaped channel ofthe ribs 44 on the side, sill and head sections and the side openingchannel '75 of the meeting rail member 62. When the finger 174 isengaged within said defined channel openings the undercut groove 178thereof engages over the beads 56 of the ribs 44 and the lip 7% of themeeting rail to retain the seallng strip in place in flush contact withthe ribs dd and the meeting rail, as seen in FIG. 5. That longitudinalface of the sealing opposed to the beads 172 is provided with a partialconcave face 18% which engages continuously about the outside face offrame 140 of the sliding sash there-adjacent when the sliding sash is ina normally closed position (see FIG.

in connection with the sliding sash frame and its horizontal supportingtrack there is provided a bumper member 132 of ge erally L shapedconfiguration which is formed from a resilient material and which issecured to the inner face 38 of Web St) of the side frame componentadjacent the sliding sash and in transverse alignment with the trackmember at a point spaced thereabove so as to be engaged by the adjacentend of the sliding sash frame upon closing movement of the frame. Thisbumper serves to cushion the closing of the sliding sash and the footportion 184 of the L. shaped member projects in the direction of thesliding frame in parallel with the track to engage the adjacent face ofthe sash frame to provide a seal therealong for that end of the framewhen the sash is in a closed position.

Screen Panel ln addition to the sliding sash for closing the openableportion of the Window, the window is also provided with a screen llfonthe outdoor side thereof away from the sliding sash. The screen consistsof a rectangular frame the bottom, top and side members 190 of which areof generally rectangular cross section and each of which is providedwith an L shaped projection 192 extending into the frame opening anddefining an undercut channel lil-i continuously about the innerperipheral edge of the frame. The channel 194 receives the marginaledges of the screening material 1% downwardly theren and an elorgatedcontinuous elastic rope or band 193 is wedged downwardly into theundercut channel 194 overlying the marginal screen edge theren andtensionally retaining the same in the channel to tautly position thescreening material entirely over the frame defined opening.

The outer vertical edge of one side component of the screen frame, asbest seen in FIG. 12, is provided with a flat bow spring member 2%having the remote ends thereof hooked to and engaged in the outer faceof the frame component as at 2%2 and Zti-f so as to place theintermediate portion of the spring under outwardly bowed tension.

To accommodate the installation of the screen, the side component of theframe 12 of the window adjacent the sliding sash opening is provided onthe inner face thereof as a continuation of flange 32 with a bead 2%extending vertically the length of said frame component in alignmenttransversely of the Window with flange 88 previously described. Toinstall the screen in the openable portion of the window the springsupporting vertical side member of the screen frame is insertedangularly, inwardly intermediate the flange d8 and the outer face of legd4- of the meeting rail under sufficient force to compressively distortthe spring to permit the opposite side member of the screen frame to bemoved sufciently in the direction of rib 44 on the side element of thewindow frame 12 to bring the outer face of the side member of the screenframe inwardly of the bead 296 on the window frame component whcreuporrelease of compressive movement of the screen frame against spring 2%Will urge the remote side element of the screen frame into abutment withthe face of the Web .Titi intermediate head 2% and rib 44. This isaccomplished easily from the inside of the window by depressing thescreen toward the center bar of the window by means o f pivotal fingerloops 267. The resilience of spring 2% will retain the screen frame infixed tensional position between flange 86 of the meeting rail and web tof the side component of Window frame 12.

i Latch Mechansm A latching mechanism generally designated at 208 isprovided in cooperative association with the frame of the sliding sashand the center post or meeting rail 62 of the window frame assembly. Thelatching mechanism consists of a swinging catch or keeper 22th which isin the form of an elongated, extruded bar member of a modified L shapedcross Sectional configuration including a thickened heel portion 212 atthe jun'cture of the vertical leg 214 of the l.. and the perpendicularlyextending foot 216 thereof.

The extended toe portion 218 of the swinging catch is verticallynotched, as at 22%, downwardly of the upper or top face thereof at apoint spaced inwardly from the extreme end, thus defining on the extremetoe end of the catch a' generally vertically extending, rounded bead222. The end or forwardmost face 224 of the toe portion of the catch isangularly inclined rearwardly from the upper, forwardmost point on therounded beard 222 to the lower end of the face at its point ofconvergence into the bottom face of the foot portion of the catch. Thisforwardmost face of the toe portion of the swinging catch is provided,intermediate its vertical length, with a grooved channel 226 extendinglongitudinally throughout the catch bar and defining on the lower,forwardmost end of the toe portion a rib 228 the forwardmost face ofwhich aligns in Vertical angularty with the normal plane of the inclinedtoe face of the catch.

The bottom face of the foot portion of the L shaped swinging catch isformed arcuately, as at 230, from the forwardmost face of the toeportion rearwardly and upwardly into the body of the foot portion for aspaced distance in the general direction of the heel of the catch andfrom the innermost end of said arcuate configuration angularlydownwardly, as at 252, to the heel of the catch defining theabove-described thicliened heel portion 2312. At the heel of the catch agenerally rounded lip 234 is formed in a direction generally outwardlyfrom the normal plane of the vertical leg of the catch in a directionfollowing the line of the angularly inclined bottom v face of the footportion thereof whcreby a groove or finger rail is defined generally inthe area designated 236 between the normal rearwardmost vertical face ofthe leg portion of the catch and its convergence into the rounded lineof the lip 234 which is at a point spaced above the bottom face of thecatch a distance dcfined by the projecting lip.

Completing the structure of the latch member is a flat bow spring 238which is positioned longtudinally in the groove 226 on the forward faceof the toe portion of the latch with one end of the spring secured tothe bottom or inner wall of the groove by Serrated edges on the spring,as at 24%, and the second end freely engaging the bottom wall of thegroove at a point spaced longitudinally from the attached end thereof.The configuration of the spring is such that the bo'wed portion 242thereof projects outwardly of the groove 226 for a spaced distancebeyond the plane of the vertically inclined forward face of the noseportion of the latch.

in the cooperative installation of the latch member with respect to theframe Mil of the sliding sash and the meeting rail 62 of the windowassembly the toe portion of the latch member is slidably insertedvertically in the channel defined by the normally inner face of fiange152 on the sliding sash frame, the arcuate finger rail 156, and the rib163 extending vertically of the outer face of the adjacent face of thesliding sash frame. This positioning of the latch brings the notch 22%in registry with the rib 1659 locating the rounded head 222'in confinedengagement between the adjacent face of dange 152 and the inner face ofrib loli with the generally arcuate bottom face portion 230 of the toeof the catch concentrically aligning with the inner face of the arcuatefiange or finger rail 156. This positioning of the latch places thebowed portion 242 of spring 238 in compressive or resilient engagementwith the adjacent vertical face of flange 152 of the sash frame urgingthe forward face of the toe portion of the latch outwardly from saidfiange face to a point limited by the engagement of the forward verticalface of the vertical leg portion 214: of the latch with theperpendicular fiange 164- on the adjacent vertical edge of the frame 140of the sliding sash. At a point coincidental with the engagement of theforward vertical face of the leg portion with the fiange 164 anangularly tlatted portion 244- on the upper face of the foot portion ofthe catch will be brought to a point of engagement with the adjacentvertical face of the sliding sash frame 140. The coincidental engagementof these two surface areas on the latch member with the respectiveperpendicularly disposed surfaces of the sliding sash frame is criticalto the retention of the latch member in the defined channel whichretention is accomplished by the moments of force on the latch memberestablished between these two points of engagement, the engagement ofthe rounded bead 222 behind rib 160, and the moment of the resilienturging on the latch face by spring 238. The latch catch is retainedvertically in place in the defined channel by peening or upsetting beador rib 160, as at 244, above and below the catch location.

Cooperating with the latch member, supported on the sliding sash frameas defined, is a strilrer shoulder 2-i6 formed vertically inwardly ofthe outer face of leg 68 of the meeting rail 60 at a point thereinadjacent the joindure of the concave groove and the straight leg portion72 of the meeting rail. The striker shoulder 246 is formed at a pointtransversely of the outer face of the leg 68 of the meeting rail so asto normally space it a short distance away from the rearward face of theleg portion 214 of the catch when the catch is in the full line positionshown in FIG. 6 under the resilient urging of spring 238. However, theupper extended end of leg portion 124 of the catch extendsperpendicularly inwardly of the concave area in the leg 68 of themeeting rail for a distance sufficient to bring the rearward verticalface thereof into abutment with the striker shoulder 216 upon movementof the sash frame from a closed position in a direction parallel to thefixed sash and in the direction of the fixed sash portion of the window.At the same time, when the sliding sash frame is in a fully closedposition the above-referenced spacing between the striker shoulder 245;and the upper vertical face of the leg portion 214 of the catch issufficient to permit the leg portion of the catch to be moved arcuatelyabout a pivotal point established on the central axis of the Circularbead 222 outwardly and away from the'leg 66 of the meeting rail to theposition indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 6 of the drawings. When thelatch member is arcuately withdrawn as shown in dotted line the slidingsash is then free of obstruction to movement to an open position. It isobvious that the release movement of the latch mechanism to position itin the dotted line position of FlG. 6 is accomplished by finger pressureexerted in the area 236 generally outwardly against the rounded fingerlip 23s; on the heel portion of the latch. Such outwardly exerted fingerpressure is facilitated by use of the left hand, for example, with thethumb engaged behind that vertical face of fiange 152 of the slidingsash frame remote to the latch member with the fingers of the handengaging about the finger lip 234. Reversing the example given to enableuse of the right hand for opening of the latch, the finger tips would beengaged on that surface of fiange 152 remote to the latch to readilyposition the thumb for engagement behind the finger lip 234 for pivotalwithdrawing of the latch member.

Fi T rim Structure Referring to PiGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings thereare shown two illustrative, modified forms of the structural member 28from which the components of the window l frame 12 may be formed. Thesetwo modifications illustrate the adaptability of the present windowconstruction to a fin-trim installation as distinguished from thetypical wood bncl; installation to which the previously describedillustrative embodiment was directed.

ln HG. 14 the modified structural member 28 is identical in all respectsto the member 28 hereinbefore described (the same designations beingused) with a single exception occurring in the specic construction ofearlier described fiange 32 on one longitudinal edge of the web 3% ofthe member. In the present embodiment ilange 32 is extended for asubstantial distance beyond its extreme terminus as hereinbeforedescribed to provide for engagenent of the extended portion Z-'i with avertical face of a framing stud 23t of the type normally framing awindow opening and providing for an exterior wall installation outwardlytherefrom in a typical fin-trim installation. Additionally, the flange32 is provided with an integrally formed perpendicular rib 252originating thereon at a point intermediate its length and projectingoutwardly in a direction generally away from the window to form with theextended portion 248 of fiange 32 a corner for the reception of theexterior wall extcrnally of the frarning stud 25%. The rib 252establishes a framed opening for the Window within the subsequentlyapplied cxterior wall.

ln FIG. 15 there is shown another form of the fin-trim window framewherein the flarge 32 of the wood buck structural member hereinbeforedescribed is provided with an attachment 254 forming the frame for thewindow opening within the area to Which the exterior wall is to besubsequently applied externally of the framing stud 250. The framingattachment 254 consists of a tlat Web 256 having an offset lug 258 onone face thereof for engagement with the extended end of ange 32 whichlug is so located and positioned as to locate the adjacent end of theWeb in coincidence with the projected plane of Web 30 of the structuralmember. The last referenced end of web 256 of the framing attachment isturned at right angles to provide an offset plate portion 260 extendingas a continued projection of web 30 outwardly of ilange 32 for a spaceddistance where it is turned again at right angles to provide a secondweb portion 262 extending in parallel relationship with web portion 256.Web portion 262 is provided on the end thereof remote to plate 254) witha perpendicular fiange 264 extending outwardly away from framing stud250 and serving with Web portion 256 of the attachment to form a frameabout the window opening in the same manner as provided by the integralframing components of ilange 32 of the structure shown in and describedwith respect to FIG. 14.

In accordance with the forcgoing descriptions and disclosures ahorizontal sliding window construction is provided Which inherentlysatisfies all of those objects and advantages heretofore set forth.Substantial savings in time, materials and, consequently, costs ofmanufacture are made possible by the simple and inexpensive design,construction and fabrication of the novel and improved windowconstituting the present invention.

It should be specifically noted that the structural clements of thewindow structure herein disclosed are confined to one-piece tubular, orsemi-tubular forms which are readily extruded, and which provide forsavings in material required for manufacture without sacrificing anycharacteristics of strength and rigidity. Further, the several differentstructural forms utilized to construct the window are so designed as tocooperate one with the other to enable the obtaining of those advantagesabove denoted.

ln addition to those advantages set forth above, the present windowconstruction in its several embodiments, provides a structure of maximumfunctional utility and having the ultimate in aesthetic quality. Forexample, the latch mechanism operating cooperatively with the slidingsash and the fixed meeting rail of the window frame serves to operateautomatically upon closing of the window to efficiently and effectivelylock the window. At the same time, the latch serves as a finger orgrasping rail for one hand operation to release the lock and to move thesliding panel to an open, or partially open, position. While the novelllatch mechanism described per- -forms the above unique and usefulfunctions it further aifords aesthetic advantages in that it does notextend into or over the glazed area of the window to obstruct vision andpresent an unsightly and awkward appearance as do prior art latches forsimilar type windows.

In the foregoing description certain terns have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchwords are used for purposes herein to facilitate description and theyare intended to be broadly construed.

Having now described the invention, the construction, the operation anduse of preferred embodiments thereof, the advantageous new and usefulresults obtained thereby, the new and useful constructions andreasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled inthe art are set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A weather seal for use in a window frame having a continuous channelthereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said framecomprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having agenerally rectangular transverse configuration, an arcuately undercutresilient finger formed integrally along the length of one side face ofthe strip engageable in said continuous frame channel, and said fingerhaving a projection extending along the distal end edge thereof andprojecting therefrom in overlying acute angular relation with respect tothe side face of said finger opposite the undercut side face thereof.

2. A weather seal for use in -a window frame having a continuous channelthereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said framecomprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having agenerally rectangular transverse configuration, an internal partitionwall longitudinally of said hollow strip transversely dividing saidhollow interior into two separate passages, a resilient finger formedintegrally along the length of one side face of the strip in generalexternal extension of lsaid internal partition wall, said finger havingan angular projection on the extended end thereof and being engageablein said continuous frame channel.

3. A Weather seal Yfor use in a window frame having a continuous channelthereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said frameoomprising, an elongated hollow strip of resilient material having agenerally rectangular transvense configuration, an internal partitionwall longitudinally of said hollow strip transversely dividing saidhollow interior into two separate passages, a resil-ient finger fornedintegrally along the length of one side face of the strip Vin generalexternal extension of said internal partition wall, said finger havingan angular projection on the extended end thereof and being engageablein said continuous frame channel, and one face of said hollow stripperpendicular to the finger supporting face thereof having an irregularconcave configuration laterally of said strip.

4. A weather seal for use in a window frame having a continuous channelthereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said framecomprising, an elongated hollowstrip of resilient material having agenerally rectangular transverse configuration, a finger formedintegrally along the length of one side face of the strip engageable insaid continuous frame channel, said finger having in one side facethereof adjacent its point of integr-al attachment to said strip agroove extending the length thereof, and said finger having a projectionextending along the distal end edge thereof and projecting therefrom inoverlying acute angular relation with respect to the side face of saidfinger opposite the grooved side face thereof.

5. A weather seal for u-se in a window frame having a continuous channelthereabout and in association with a sliding sash in said framecomprising, an elongated strip of resilient material having a generallyrectangular transverse configuration, spaced passages extendingthroughout the strip length, an arcuate undercut finger -formedintegrally along the length of one side face of the strip engageable insaid lframe channel, said finger having la projection extending alongthe distal end edge thereof and projecting therefrom in overlying acuteangular relation with respect to the side face of said finger oppositethe undercut side face thereof, Ian one face of said strip perpendicularto the finger supporting face thereof having an irregularly concaveconfiguration laterally of said strip.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,641,157 Cook Sept. 6, 1927 1,834,529 Ledwinka Dec. 1, 1931 1,9t)1,780lSleeper Mar. 14, 1933 2,908,948 Jones Oct. 20, 1959

1. A WEATHER SEAL FOR USE IN A WINDOW FRAME HAVING A CONTINUOUS CHANNELTHEREABOUT AND IN ASSOCIATION WITH A SLIDING SASH IN SAID FRAMECOMPRISING, AN ELONGATED HOLLOW STRIP OF RESILIENT MATERIAL HAVING AGENERALLY RECTANGULAR TRANSVERSE CONFIGURATION, AN ARCUATELY UNDERCUTRESILIENT FINGER FORMED INTEGRALLY ALONG THE LENGTH OF ONE SIDE FACE OFTHE STRIP ENGAGEABLE IN SAID CONTINUOUS FRAME CHANNEL, AND SAID FINGERHAVING A PROJECTION EXTENDING ALONG THE DISTAL END EDGE THEREOF ANDPROJECTING THEREFROM IN OVERLYING ACUTE ANGULAR RELATION WITH RESPECT TOTHE SIDE FACE OF SAID FINGER OPPOSITE THE UNDERCUT SIDE FACE THEREOF.